MRT end earlier, start later?

It states that “This is why SMRT is ending service between Lakeside and Joo Koon, as well as between Tanah Merah and Changi Airport, earlier at 11pm on April 14 and 21 (Lakeside-Joo Koon), and April 28 and May 5 (Tanah Merah-Changi Airport).

Shuttle buses will be provided at these stations instead.”

Worse in the world?

I believe our last train times are now the earliest among all the major cities in the world.

Other countries?

Our earliest train times have also gotten later. How do other countries do it? Do they also keep deteriorating in their operation hours?

Hong Kong

For example, I understand that Hong Kong’s MTR starts as early as 5.50 am and ends as late as 1.15 am.

What’s the point of building a train system to the airport, when the earliest start time from Paya Lebar MRT on the East- West Line in the weekend (6.39 am on Sundays) may be too late to catch the early morning departures.

Disruption?

The disruption, additional costs, delays and inconvenience to businesses, workers and Singaporeans in general may be extensive, and run into the millions.

Conduct a study?

The Government should do a study about this.

Talking rubbish?

The above irks me with the constant rhetoric that train services have improved, commuter satisfaction levels have increased and therefore we have to raise fares!

About the Author

Leong Sze Hian has served as president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), invited to speak more than 200 times in over 30 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of Indonesia and Brunei. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional qualifications.